PIA Press ReleaseWednesday, January 11, 2012

Book on war veterans bravery launched in Pangasinan

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- A new book, inspired by the bravery and courage of Pangasinense World War II veterans was launched Monday as part of the Pangasinan Veterans Day here.

The book entitled “Biographical Sketches of Pangasinan Heroes of World War II,” was written by writer-historian cousins Deborah I. Beltran-Castillo and Dr. Cecilia Beltran-Daranciang, in honor of the unsung heroes of Philippine history.

Castillo said the book is dedicated to the thousands and hundreds of men who fearlessly fought in pursuit of freedom to include the civilian volunteers, prisoners of war, and defenders of freedom and democracy.

She added that those who survived the war, the death march, and the entire turmoil of combating battalions of soldier deserved to be hailed for the mere fact that they complete the province’s history.

Castillo, who used to work at the Veterans Bank in Dagupan City, said her personal encounters with the old and weary war heroes in the bank inspired her to write full accounts of the war experiences of some 33 Pangasinan soldiers.

The book’s foreword goes: “No study of the Lingayen Gulf Landings, the historic event that led to the Liberation of Luzon during World War II, could be complete without the story of the life and struggles of the numerous Pangasinenses who fought with valiant spirits to defend our country.”

The hundred-page book was personally presented to the war veterans by the event’s guest of honor and speaker, former President Fidel V. Ramos, himself a decorated war veteran and Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. who gave his full support to the project. (ANL/VHS-PIA 1 Pangasinan with reports from PIO)